‘Tis the Season for an Advent Tea

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Advent tea program cover

 

This  past Sunday, our church held its 5th Annual Advent Tea.  It was a sold-out event, as always, and a beautiful way to begin the Christmas season.  Sixteen tables were decorated with the theme of “Christmas Traditions ” by women of the church, and the men were the servers for the day.

 

 

Advent tea room view

 

My friend Jean and I entered the room and it was already abuzz with everyone checking out the tables.

 

Advent tea gumdrop tree

 

We found our assigned table #15, “Nana’s Gumdrop Tree,” and our hostess, Marni, who was honoring her Nana with the table decoration.  She even had the original box.

First thing I was curious about was how the men were doing in the kitchen.  On my way there, I passed by one of the tables and had to stop.  It was decorated with items dear to the heart of many Chicagoans,  from Marshall Field and Company, a store we all miss and have such wonderful memories that go way back.

Advent tea Field's centerpiece

 

Advent tea Field's centerpiece close up

 

Advent tea Field's cookbook

 

Sigh.. I don’t think any of us around this area will ever recover from losing Marshall Field’s.  By the way, that cookbook is terrific!

After that bit of nostalgia, it was time to check out the kitchen.  The men all looked so professional in their white shirts and black pants and were perfectly calm, collected, and organized.

Advent tea empty trays

 

The trays were waiting to be filled.

Advent tea pots

The teapots were ready.

Advent tea lemon and sugar bowls

The men even made notes to themselves to keep it all straight.  I was impressed!

Advent tea men in kitchen

With everything running smoothly in the kitchen, it was time to again to admire the table decorations.  Being a fan of nutcrackers, this was another one that caught my attention.

Advent tea nutcracker centerpiece

Advent tea nutcracker close up

Nutcrackers are adorable!

Advent tea Danish table

I also love dolls.  Look at this little Danish darling.

Advent tea fire truck

Loved the old firetruck!

Advent tea angel with trumpet

A beautiful angel!

Advent tea gingerbread houses

Gingerbread!

Advent tea Christmas stockings

Lots of stockings with a scroll about the history of stockings!

Advent tea Santa centerpiece

And we can’t forget Santa!

Before we knew it, it was time to begin.  Entertainment included wonderful Madrigal singers all dressed for the occasion, and the darling young voices of our own “Joyful Noise” children’s choir.  We had a great time chatting with everyone at our table while the men served the delicious food.  First up were miniature cranberry lemon scones with lemon curd, and a fig-brie crostini with cucumber.

Advent tea sandwiches and lemon curd

The delicious sandwiches included sun-dried tomato pesto and goat cheese crostini;  chicken salad with cranberries, grapes, and watercress; and cucumber with fresh herb cheese on onion bread, all served with Earl Grey tea.

Advent tea sandwiches and tea mug

 

 

The dainty little desserts included shortbread; petit fours with white chocolate and raspberry; and raspberry butterflies.

Advent tea dessert trio

 

Advent tea cake close up

 

We all agreed it was a lovely way to spend our afternoon and there was already chatter about next year.   Whatever the theme will be, it is bound to be another sold out event.

 

Merry Christmas, everyone!  And don’t forget to leave out a plate of cookies for Santa!

Advent tea Cookies for Santa plate

 

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4 Responses to ‘Tis the Season for an Advent Tea

  1. December 10, 2014 at 4:53 am #

    what a beautiful event…love the way it was all organized

  2. December 10, 2014 at 5:05 am #

    What a wonderful event with so many memories. Love how the tables each had a theme.

  3. December 10, 2014 at 8:57 am #

    What a lovely afternoon. It is events like this one that make the Christmas season so special. Thanks for sharing.

  4. December 12, 2014 at 10:46 am #

    The table with Christmas Baking theme smelled so much like a Holiday kitchen!

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